Arundel Digest

Arundel Digest

February 06, 2003

Prosecutors say man justified in shooting burglar

An elderly man's shooting of a suspected burglar at his Brooklyn Park home was justified, authorities say.

A spokeswoman for the Anne Arundel County state's attorney's office said prosecutors decided there was no evidence of a crime or criminal intent when Frederick Matthews, 82, shot Joseph Kelly, 41, on Dec. 29.

Matthews used a licensed, legally bought handgun in the shooting of someone who entered through a window.

Kelly, who suffered what police said was a minor wound, has been charged with burglary.

It was the second break-in within a week at the house, police said. In 1992, Matthews received 19 stitches to his head when he was pistol-whipped after chasing a burglar who had jumped from his second-story window.

Metropolitan Council elects Owens chairwoman

Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens was elected Tuesday chairwoman of the board of directors of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, a six-member board made up of top officials from Baltimore and the surrounding counties.

The group's aim is to develop regional strategies and advise the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board and the region's metropolitan planning organization. Owens, a Democrat, said she wants to focus on regional emergency preparedness.

Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley will be vice chairman. The terms last one year.